Still a Bit Behind You

After some playful banter, Su Yang plated the stir-fried eel strips he had just cooked.

He then grabbed another pot to boil water, adding enough noodles for two once it reached a rolling boil.

Pan Ning walked over and leaned in to sniff the eel on the stove. "It smells amazing. How is a guy like you so good at cooking?"

Su Yang thought to himself, ‘Well, the system spoils me.’

Out loud, he said, "It’s just natural talent. I’ve been good at cooking since I was a kid."

"Alright then, teach me sometime."

"Anytime."

Su Yang chuckled, taking out a bowl to mix in seasonings and lard before pouring a small amount of boiling water into two separate bowls.

After a few minutes, he turned off the heat, drained the noodles, and divided them between the bowls.

He topped each serving with the eel strips, sprinkled minced garlic and chopped scallions, then drizzled sizzling hot oil from another pan over them.

Sizzle, sizzle, sizzle.

The sound of the hot oil hitting the garlic and scallions was oddly satisfying.

And just like that, two bowls of aromatic, mouthwatering eel noodles were ready.

Pan Ning stood nearby, swallowing hard. "Can we eat now?"

"Yep~ Let’s go, dig in while it’s hot."

"Okay~ You grab the chopsticks." Pan Ning picked up both bowls and headed out of the kitchen first.

Su Yang turned to grab two pairs of chopsticks before following her.

They settled on the couch, and Pan Ning eagerly took the chopsticks from Su Yang, immediately stirring her noodles.

The moment they were mixed, she took a big bite.

Her eyes widened as she chewed. "This is incredible!! Absolute heaven!"

Su Yang grinned. "Slow down. There’s more if you want it."

He then started eating his own portion.

Pan Ning hummed happily between bites—uncharacteristically cheerful for her usually aloof demeanor.

Perhaps it was only around Su Yang that she let her inner girlishness show.

After finishing their meal, Su Yang collected the empty bowls and washed them in the kitchen.

When he returned to the living room, he found Pan Ning had already placed two bottles of Moutai 30-Year on the coffee table.

She sat cross-legged on the sofa, looking at him. "Let’s have a drink now that we’re full~"

"Sure, one bottle each."

"Mhm, a little nightcap helps with sleep."

"Perfect, you read my mind." Su Yang smiled and sat beside her.

The two spent the rest of the evening watching variety shows, sipping liquor, and chatting.

At some point, Pan Ning casually draped her legs over Su Yang’s lap, and they burst into laughter at the funny moments on screen.

Before they knew it, it was 3:30 AM.

Both bottles were empty, and the show had ended.

Pan Ning set down her glass and turned to Su Yang.

The mood was right—their faces inched closer until they touched.

Su Yang pulled her into an embrace, kissing her passionately.

......

By 4:30 AM, they had talked a little more before falling asleep in each other’s arms.

They didn’t wake up until noon.

Su Yang stretched as he came to, Pan Ning still sound asleep on his chest.

"Outsleeping even me~"

He thought to himself, ‘Nothing urgent today. I should check on the progress at Lotus Mist Lake later—that’s a billion-yuan project. Can’t afford delays!’

A few minutes later, Pan Ning stirred awake, brushing hair from her eyes. "What time is it?"

"12:10."

"That late?"

"Nothing to do anyway. Sleep as much as you want."

"Got plans today?"

Su Yang propped himself up. "Heading to Lotus Mist Lake later to check on the courtyard’s progress. Haven’t been there in a while."

"I’ll come with you."

"Sure~ Let’s get up, shower, grab some food, then head over."

"Okay~"

Half an hour later, freshly showered, Pan Ning changed into a rose-red T-shirt and high-waisted jeans.

They stepped out of the villa to the driveway.

Spotting the RS7 parked beside their other two cars, Pan Ning remarked casually, "When did you get this one?"

"A few months ago. Just picked it up recently."

"How many cars do you even own now?"

"Seven~"

"That’s a lot. Do you even drive them all?"

Su Yang smirked. "I still think it’s not enough~"

Pan Ning opened the passenger door. "So, what other cars do you like?"

"Too many to list. Why? Gonna gift me one?"

"Sure, if you want."

"You’re the best~"

Pan Ning smiled faintly and slid into the seat.

Su Yang got in as well, glancing at her as she buckled up. "I’ll hold off for now, but is there a car you like? I’ll get it for you."

Pan Ning tilted her head. "These two are enough for me. I like cars, but not the way guys do. Having too many just means they sit around and depreciate."

Su Yang started the engine. "Just rotate them every couple of days."

"Meh, let’s just go~"

"Alright."

Vroom!

With a deep growl, the RS7 sped out of the villa area.

After a quick lunch at a random downtown restaurant, Su Yang drove onto the expressway toward Jiangyue District at 1:30 PM.

In the car, Pan Ning adjusted her hair in the vanity mirror. "Where did you guys drink last night?"

"Someplace called Houyuan Private Club."

"Oh, been there. By the way, there’s something I wanted to tell you."

"What’s up?" Su Yang glanced at her.

"Remember when I mentioned my parents wanted me to come home? You never asked about it, but I figured I should explain—even if it’s not a big deal."

Su Yang chuckled. "Oh, that? I already know."

"You know?" Pan Ning looked puzzled for a second before realization dawned.

"My brother told you?"

"Yep." Su Yang nodded.

"Figures. My dad must’ve tipped him off," Pan Ning muttered.

She continued, "My mom wanted me to meet her friend’s son, but I’m not interested."

Su Yang stayed silent, waiting for her to elaborate.

Pan Ning thought for a moment. "His name’s Chu Qiunan. Pretty handsome, actually."

Su Yang grinned. "How handsome?"

"Very handsome~"

"But still not quite as good-looking as you," Pan Ning teased. "My mom and his mom are close. They’ve been trying to set us up for ages."

"The other day, they visited my parents, so I got called back for a chat."

Su Yang asked, "How’d it go?"

"Not much of a conversation. They did all the talking. But..."

"But what?"

"At the end, I said I already have a boyfriend."

Su Yang turned to her. "And then?"

"Then my mom and his mom were stunned. My mom asked who it was, and I said, ‘Su Yang.’"

Su Yang scratched his cheek. "And after that? What’d your mom say?"

"She said she wants me to take you to my uncle’s place tomorrow so she can have a proper chat with you."

"Damn... So... what did your dad say?"

"My dad? Didn’t you two get into a fight before? He actually thinks pretty highly of you."

"Whew—" Su Yang let out a relieved sigh. "That’s good. So, how did that Chu Qiunan guy react in the end?"

"Him? He didn’t seem to believe me, but later I told him to get lost."

"What? Isn’t he the son of your mom’s close friend? Wouldn’t telling him off like that embarrass your mom in front of her friend?"

"Of course I didn’t say it in front of his mom. I waited until I was walking him out alone."

Su Yang turned around and gave a thumbs-up. "That’s so you! So, did that Qiunan guy get mad?"

"Nope. That part surprised me too. Seems like he’s got pretty thick skin. Ugh, just thinking about having to see him again tomorrow is annoying~" Pan Ning leaned back in her seat with a sigh.

Su Yang rolled his eyes. "Point him out to me tomorrow. I’ll have a little chat with him."

Pan Ning glanced at him. "Sure, go ahead. Honestly, this is your problem to deal with anyway."

Su Yang straightened up, dead serious. "Damn right. If he’s got the nerve to mess with you, then I’ll make sure he understands where he stands."

......